Mbappe hat-trick inspires Real Madrid’s crushing Kairat win

Kylian Mbappe struck a hat-trick as record 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid romped to a 5-0 league phase win over Kairat in Kazakhstan on Tuesday.

PSG boss Enrique compares Pedri to Harry Potter

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique compared Barcelona midfielder Pedri Gonzalez to fictional wizard Harry Potter and said he hopes the Spaniard doesn’t “bring his wand” to Wednesday’s Champions League clash.

Yamal ready to make statement after Ballon d’Or miss

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal almost became the youngest ever Ballon d’Or winner last week at 18, and Wednesday’s Champions League clash against PSG offers the ideal opportunity to begin stating his case for next year.

Dembele joins PSG injury list ahead of Barca clash

PSG face their biggest test of the season so far when the Champions League title-holders visit Barcelona this week, but Luis Enrique’s side come into the game in the midst of an injury crisis affecting several of their biggest stars.

Mixed feelings for Mourinho on Chelsea return

It was upon Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Chelsea in 2004 that he proclaimed himself a “special one”, although that sheen has worn away two decades on as he returns to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday with Benfica.

WATCH: Why the Champions League is better than ever

With the return of the UEFA Champions League, FourFourTwo break down just why football’s greatest competition is better than ever. From the new format, to the title favourites and more.

Real Madrid disadvantaged by Champions League overhaul

The new league-phase format of the UEFA Champions League has introduced a challenge that goes far beyond tactics and form, with record-winners Real Madrid facing a bigger impact than most.

Salah’s historic season falls short of Ballon d’Or

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah delivered one of the most remarkable individual seasons in Premier League history, but it won’t be enough to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, writes Dylan Johnson.

Dembele favourite to edge Yamal to Ballon d’Or

PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele is tipped to hold off Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and win the men’s Ballon d’Or.

Salah, Dembélé, Mbappe headline Ballon d’Or race

The Ballon d’Or will be awarded in Paris on September 22, with data and criteria pointing to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé as frontrunners, though Kylian Mbappé and Viktor Gyökeres also emerge as leading contenders.